BOY OVERBOARD - MORRIS GLEITZMAN

BOY OVERBOARD - MORRIS GLEITZMAN

One of a trio of books my friend Liz loaned me to read after she read it with her grandkids. The story is taken through the eyes of a brother and sister of Afghanistan - children coming from a different lifestyle to that those of us living in the Western World currently have.

The kids are obsessed with football, and later on with living in Australia and the story tells the tale of how their dreams progress and develop when the family attempts to relocate overseas due to enforced government dictations that make it unsafe for them to continue to live where they were. On their ventures they connect with a boy and an older girl whom they become close to when temporarily separated from their parents.

It is interesting to see how these kids treasure a toy football as much as the ancestral candlestick. For adults and older youth readers, the attitude of the Australian government can be compared in relation to the Afghanistan government - and thence into our own 'leaders'.

THE GOAT WHO SAILED THE WORLD - JACKIE FRENCH

 

THE GOAT WHO SAILED THE WORLD - JACKIE FRENCH

One of a trio of books my friend Liz loaned me to read after she read it with her grandkids. Having spent 22 years living in Australia, I am well acquainted with the history pertaining to Captain Cook and Joseph Banks - and have in fact visited Botany Bay in real life, due to formerly living quite close to the region. The book details the fictional but possible storyline as seen from that of a ship-goat and young boy who grew into his chosen life of a sailor.

Although directed primarily at young readers, there was one word I had to look up. I found it interesting to observe the story from the goat's point of view - as I myself have written from pigeons' points of view in the past.

JAMGON MIPAM, HIS LIFE AND TEACHINGS - Douglas S Duckworth

JAMGON MIPAM, HIS LIFE AND TEACHINGS - Douglas S Duckworth

RATING: C+

It has taken me over a year to read this book. Partially due to the fact I have not had much reading time, being too active or too sleepy. Also partly due to practicing rather than studying Buddhism.

Whilst I did find some of the teachings interesting, and some practice-supportive quotes, the majority of the book was background rather than text/quotes, so a little dull for me.